30 September 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 30 September 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 72

This psalm asks that the King be blessed. Justice, righteousness, prosperity for the people and production, defence of the poor and deliverance for the needy and oppressed, are requested. May the king live long and be gentle. Peace, dominion, abundance, compassion are all in this appeal. The psalm ends praising and blessing God who makes all things possible.

Ezra 3: 9 – 4: 6

The foundation stone of the new temple is laid and the people praise God. Shouts of joy are mingled with the loud sobs of those who recall the old temple. The people of the land, those who were enemies and not Jews, ask to be part of building the temple too and to join in worshipping God. The heads of the families of Israel say no. As a consequence the people of the land bribe officials to frustrate the building process and when Ahasuerus becomes King of Persia they write an accusation against Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Matthew 10: 16 – 27

Jesus warns the disciples of the dangers of going out to heal the sick and cast out demons. When the disciples are accused they are not to worry about what to say but the Spirit will give them the right words. There will be dissent and the tearing apart of families and people.  The disciples will be hated in places. They are to flee when they can. The disciples will be like Jesus but not above Jesus. If they already call Jesus a demon in charge of demons we can expect they will call the disciples something similar.

Then Jesus tells them not to fear anything that happens will be revealed and that they are to proclaim Jesus’ words even to his whispers.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Bush Path
Troth Dredge-hole
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Holy Lord like a great coach you send us out into the field prepared for the opposition and respecting the challenges ahead. In the days ahead keep us alert to the opportunities to proclaim your word, give us the words to say even when we are accused and the wisdom to back away when needed so that we continue to proclaim your words even from the housetops through Jesus Christ and the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 30 September 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 73

The psalmist begins saying how good God is and then confesses that he is about to lose his belief because of envy of the success, prosperity and apparent freedom from care the wicked possess. It bothers him daily and he is tempted to talk about it but decides it would lead others astray. So he goes into the sanctuary and prays. Through prayer he understands that what appears to be success and freedom is temporary – like a dream. The psalmist recognises his own failings and reaffirms the value of being with God, being guided by God and being valued by God. Even if flesh fails God is our strength, our refuge and we can, with that support tell of all God’s works.

1 Maccabees 6: 1 –17

King Antiochus in his quest for wealth to refill his treasury to fund the war, comes upon a city with a richly endowed temple. The people hear his plan and successfully defend their city from his attack. Antiochus hears that Lysias has been defeated and Jerusalem re-taken, the temple rebuilding continues and the wall fortified. He becomes deeply distressed, cannot sleep at night, realises he is dying and repents that he did what he did to Jerusalem. He hands the crown and signet ring to his friend Philip to take to his son Antiochus for whom Lysias was guardian. Lysias renames the boy Eupator.

Colossians 2: 8 – 15

Paul warns not to allow us to be captured by philosophy or empty deceit or elemental spirits but only according to Christ. In Christ all deity dwells. We have new forms of circumcision, baptism, burial and rebirth. We have been made alive through forgiveness. We do not have to go through the legalistic rules – those were all nailed to the cross. Christ disarmed rules and authorities and triumphed.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Reeds
The Tronoh Dredge-hole
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Patient and loving God you are with us always. You delight in our faithfulness and trust in you. Lift up our hearts to celebrate your love, care and gift of new life so that we may be joyous and energised in our lives of service to you through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.